Festival del film Locarno 2017

Happy Birthday, Locarno Festival! Switzerland's most important film festival turns 70 this year, and has every reason to celebrate. After all, in the course of its history it has earned a unique place among the most important festivals in the world. As its loyal Official Partner, Swatch offers congratulations in the form of a new Special Edition, LOCARNO70. In tune with the anniversary celebrations, the watch is available in a limited and numbered edition of 700 pieces, in the Canton Ticino's film city and Swatch's Swiss online store. The new Special features the Festival colors, a visible movement and the Festival's proud "Pardo" leopard, which walks over the watch’s silicone strap, as in the movie intros at the Piazza Grande.

Along with their partnership, the Festival and the Swiss watchmaker share a commitment to supporting talented young artists. Again this year a next-generation filmmaker will be awarded the Swatch First Feature Award, worth 15,000 Swiss francs, for the best first full-length narrative film.

In addition, the First Feature Jury will select the winner of an invitation to the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, which includes a three-to-six month artist residency. Since the Hotel opened in November 2011 more than 260 artists from over 45 countries have made art on the premises and have helped shape the contemporary art scene. In turn, two former artists-in-residence will take part in the Filmmakers Academy of the Swiss Festival: filmmakers Zhou Yan and Qiu Yang, who wonthe Palme d'Or in the "Short Films" category at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival for his film, "A Gentle Night". See you in Locarno! Visit Locarno Film Festival's official websitewww.pardo.ch

#SwatchLovesArt #SwatchXLocarnoFestival

Locarno Summer Academy

As Official Partner, Swatch also supports the Locarno Summer Academy. The Festival’s training program accepts applications from young people all over the world to participate in five different programs addressing diverse aspects of the business and art of making films.

The Swatch Art Peace Hotel

Swatch has been working closely with artists for over 30 years. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel, which was launched in 2011, is an additional example of the brand’s commitment to supporting talent and creation. Swatch loves art and artists. Their freedom and energy reflect a vision of the world which is simultaneously both very personal and universal.

The unique, innovative concept of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel includes 18 studios where artists live and work in a stimulating urban environment.